Measurement and Definitions of Obesity In Childhood and Adolescence: A field guide for the uninitiated

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Citation and License

Nutrition Journal 2007, 6:32
doi:10.1186/1475-2891-6-32

Published: 26 October 2007

Abstract

This paper aims to guide readers embarking on the complex literature in respect of
childhood and adolescent obesity. It opens with a discussion of definitions of 'obesity'
based on overall fat levels and the significance of fat distribution. This is followed
by simple descriptions of the various techniques used to measure fat, including density-based,
scanning, bioelectrical impedance and anthropometric methods. The paper then turns
to 'overweight' and the measurement of weight in relation to height, particularly
via body mass index (BMI). While it is a relatively simple measure and a valuable
tool, BMI has several disadvantages, which are described. These include a lack of
consensus on which values should be used to define 'overweight' or 'obese', with the
result that the literature contains a confusing multiplicity of child and adolescent
obesity rates.